as above really, considering for everyday use, opinions please

cheers

 

mate a long time ago had the a3 1.8t... was a dam fine car really greatto drive and shifted all good

 

Go really well when remapped, mine shit its self when the water pump impeller broke up and hence the water pump failed, common problem i believe

 

so if i got one, first thing to do is replace water pump, any other common probs on the 1.8T VAG units?

 

buy the newest lowest miler you possibly can and dont plan on keeping it any lenth of time, once audi's get past about 5 - 6 years old and 100k miles the electronics and engines constantly play up. we have had 5 audi's in a row (cos the missus liked them) and all have been shite on so many levels.

 

How big are the boot on these? I got offered one of these as a px against my Impreza... but wondered if it would swallow a couple of sets of golf clubs?


Cheers,
Grant

 

Barry who works with me has a 1.8 quattro ( i know its not an s3) parts are really expensive for this model as it is an inbetween sort of mish mash, had a nightmare trying to find replacement parts such as downpipe, cat, etc. But the car hasnt let him down and is a great car to drive.

This is probably of no use but just be wary of this model. His car is the Xreg model

 

parts are hard to find for a VAG's? thats putting me off slightly............

 

Agreed, had an A3 quattro and,

Pixels missing from dash display (common problem)
Snapped belt, new head (common problem)
Anti roll bar (ceramic coating goes and cant be replaced) (common problem)
Engine mount bolt stripped
Wheel bearings x 3
Exhaust
Temp sensor (common problem)
Coil pack (common problem)
Passenger window mechanism broke
Radio volume control went nuts (common problem)

The list goes on Wouldn't touch a pre 03 Audi ever!

 

Good cars, not as quick as they're often made out to be, go ok with a remap. Well built.

The engines are very sturdy if looked after and contrary to what some have said mileage isn't a big issue if it's been looked after properly. My '96 A4 is on 135k nearly and I've done a good 40k of that and it's hardly missed a beat on or off track.

 

Superb motors only thing which annoyed me with mine was the cambelt due every 40k ps just do the waterpump straight away with a metal impellor rather than the stock plastic. Fit and forget!

 

some conflicting views here? would i be better of with a mk4 golf anniversary? or at a push an R32, not fussed about fuel economy as i don't need it for the commute to work, as i walk to work, and would prefer something 4x4........

 

Mk4 golf has the same but a lesser spec engine/turbo if that makes any sence? Shitty ko3s rather than the k04 Also ghey wheel drive. R32s just make a nice sound but not much go also not much tuning scope. Have you thought about a 225 TT? stunning looking cars and handle very very well with a few choice mods.

My money would be on the S3 ps mine was a 2002 52 and was faultless i just serviced it and gave it death for 20k miles and it never missed a beat. Brakes a shit though i upgraded to the Seat ibiza CR Brembos on the front and fast road pads on the rear.

 

in an ideal world, i would have a brand new golf R but i'm not spunking £30k+ on something i can have in three years time for half the price!

like i said, want 4x4, and really like the S3, but not 100% yet, surely the TT would be the same running gear/engine as the S3? only in a bit of a gay/hairdresser's car? no offence though pal

prefer hatches to coupe's and to be honest, i want something i can just drive, not fussed for remapping, chsanging brakes all that jazz, just get in and go.........

 

Parts are easy to get hold of Euro Car Parts and GSF do a load of bits (a lot OE quality), and there are specialist breakers as well.

R32 Golf is a bit over rated (just imho of course), I had no bother pushing one around at Bedford despite me having less power, FWD and shitty Pirrelli P6000

 

Part's are easy to get for the VAG'S. I work at Euro car parts and we sell just about everthing lowering springs, induction kits etc. OE Parts.

I would go for the S3 with the Bam 225 unit.
or a mk5 Golf gti.

 

thats what i'm looking at, late 225 BAM S3's, have kinda looked at the mk5 golf gti, but want 4x4 really, though they are a stonking car, and prob for similar money?